Looking for mental health support under Medicare?
Not all mental health care is the same. What works best depends on your needs, your goals, your age or stage of life, and the level of support required.
The Australian Government’s Medicare Mental Health Check-In service offers free, early-intervention support for people experiencing mild or short-term distress. At The Three Seas Psychology, we provide ongoing, face-to-face psychological care for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families who need deeper, more personalised, and relational support.
This page explains the difference, so you can make an informed choice.
What is the Medicare Mental Health Check-In?
The Medicare Mental Health Check-In is a free, early-intervention service designed for people experiencing mild or transient mental health concerns.
It typically includes:
- An initial assessment via the Medicare Mental Health phone service
- Short-term, low-intensity psychological support
- Telehealth-based sessions and/or self-guided digital programs
- A focus on symptom management and early support
The Check-In service is intended to complement existing mental health services, not replace ongoing psychological therapy.
What does The Three Seas Psychology offer?
The Three Seas Psychology provides ongoing psychological therapy delivered by fully qualified, registered psychologists.
Our care is:
Client-centred, relational, and evidence-informed
Tailored to complexity, history, and long-term wellbeing
Delivered primarily face-to-face (with telehealth available where appropriate)
Focused on meaningful, sustainable change, not quick fixes
We work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across Melbourne who are seeking care that goes beyond standardised or short-term support.
Therapeutic Approaches we Offer
Our psychologists are trained in a range of evidence-based therapies, allowing treatment to be matched to the person rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. These include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
Schema Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy
Trauma-informed approaches
Play-based and developmentally informed therapies for children and adolescents
This flexibility allows us to support both presenting symptoms and underlying patterns, particularly in complex or long-standing concerns.
Who is the Medicare Mental Health Check-In Best Suited For?
Who is The Three Seas Psychology Best Suited For?
Best suited for:
Mild or short-term distress
Early intervention or first-step support
People comfortable with digital programs or brief telehealth
- Those seeking free, short-term assistance
Best suited for:
Ongoing anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout
Children and adolescents needing developmental or family-informed support
Relationship and couples counselling
Eating disorders and other complex presentations
People who value depth, continuity, and face-to-face care
Considerations:
Limited number of sessions
Less continuity with the same practitioner
Primarily digital or phone-based
Not designed for complex, developmental, or long-standing concerns
Benefits:
Work with the same psychologist over time
No triage phone line or centralised intake
Appointments available immediately
No referral required to book
Fees, rebates, and payment options
Sessions at The Three Seas Psychology are privately billed, with several rebate options available depending on your circumstances:
Medicare rebates are available with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan
Private health insurance rebates may apply depending on your level of cover
Third-party funding may be available, including WorkCover and other approved schemes
Our team can help you understand your rebate options and what may apply to you before your first appointment.
Why some people move beyond Check-In
For many people, early-intervention support is a helpful first step.
However, some discover they need:
A stronger therapeutic relationship
More sessions than short-term programs allow
In-person care rather than digital delivery
Support that goes beyond symptom management
When that happens, ongoing psychological therapy can provide the depth and continuity needed for real, lasting change.
Not sure which option is right for you?
You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out.
If you’re unsure whether the Medicare Mental Health Check-In is enough for your needs, or if you already know you want face-to-face, psychologist-led care, we’re here to help.
Book an appointment
No referral required
Immediate availability
Book directly with The Three Seas Psychology and start working with a psychologist who understands you, not just your symptoms.